RESPECT: Len Mohnkern (1927 - 2006)

 

Leonard C. "Len" Mohnkern, KPYK's owner, and long-time voice of the Pick of the Dial News, passed away Saturday, November 18, 2006, one week after his 79th birthday.

Len was born November 11, 1927 in Oil City, PA, and has resided in Terrell since 1968. He began his nearly 60-year radio career in Oil City, Pennsylvania, in 1948. After moving to Terrell, TX, in 1968, Len worked for Radio Station KTER in Terrell. He was the Area News Editor of the Terrell Tribune during the 1970's, and was a news reporter for KBOX in Dallas until the early 1980's.

Len, with his son, Chuck, opened the Radio Shack franchise store in Terrell in 1980, and they have operated the store since that time. He and his son have also owned and operated KPYK since 1992.

Len was instrumental in organizing the Christian Business Men's Committee of Terrell in 1969, and was actively involved in CBMC for the past 37 years.

Len was preceded in death by his parents, Charles L. and Margaret May Gibson Mohnkern. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Elizabeth, with whom he worked on the air at KPYK. He is also survived by his daughter, Susan Pinson, and her husband Ray; son, Chuck Mohnkern; grandchildren, Michael Pinson, Wendy Howe and husband Steve; sister, Betty Nutter and husband Dan; several nieces, nephews, as well as extended family. 

The Londoner (My Second Home)

We had a marathon remote at The Londoner in Addison this Sat. Underground Shopper was from 12-3, The North Texas Gourmet with Bruno Dinola and me from 3p-5p and The Beer Show from 5p-6p. Then I drove over to USA Radio and did Cyber-Line from 9p-12a. Been up for 17 hours. Man I beat. The Austin Healey Motor Club came out with about 6 vintage cars! The Londoner has a lot of meaning to me. Andy Tarczon and I ate there almost every day back when he was with Psion and I was at Comp USA. We "immersed" ourselves in the culture as we prepared for a trip. Psion was giving away an all expense paid trip to London to the salesman who sold the most PDA's. I was number one in the nation! When I left Comp USA in the later part of 1997, Lucia and I celebrated my last day playing pool all night. The Londoner was in its old place then. It later would move to its new bigger expanse across the street. Over the course of time, I'd bring friends to share a meal. I was known to always be brainstorming over Chinese buffets. But the Londoner was the place I was more able to relax and unwind over fish and chips, scotch eggs and a Guiness. And now, I'm pretending to be producing shows and doing live remotes from the Londoner! I've always had good things happen when I was involved with this great place. If still around when I die, I'd like to have my wake there as well and have let my wife Diane know!